For the first time in its prestigious history, the World Travel Awards (WTA) is heading to Bahrain, with its highly anticipated Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025 scheduled for 9 December at the iconic Exhibition World Bahrain. The event will spotlight the global tourism elite and honour excellence across all sectors of the travel industry.

This landmark announcement reinforces Bahrain’s emergence as a dynamic tourism destination. With tourism expected to contribute 11.4% to the country’s GDP by 2026, the WTA’s debut is seen as a timely endorsement of the Kingdom’s strategic ambitions.

Situated at the heart of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain is an island nation made up of 33 islands, long recognised for its unique location connecting East and West. Its rich trading legacy dates back over 4,000 years, once thriving as a pearl-diving capital and now evolving into a modern business and cultural hub.

Manama, the capital, offers a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity. From exploring UNESCO-listed Bahrain Fort to indulging in luxury shopping, lively souqs, and contemporary art galleries, the city offers a compelling experience for both business and leisure travellers. Its rise in popularity as a wedding destination underscores Bahrain’s growing appeal for high-end events and experiences.

Exhibition World Bahrain, the venue for the WTA finale, is central to the Kingdom’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) strategy. As one of the largest and most advanced convention centres in the region, it’s instrumental in driving Bahrain’s economic diversification and global connectivity.

The 2025 WTA Grand Final will conclude the organisation’s annual Grand Tour, which spans the globe in search of standout travel and hospitality performers. Leading up to the Bahrain finale, regional events are taking place in Dar es Salaam, Cancún, Hong Kong, and Dubai—each showcasing regional excellence ahead of the global spotlight in Bahrain.

Voting is now underway for the 2025 World Travel Awards across several key regions, including Africa, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, and North America. Voting for additional global regions is scheduled to open on 1 April.

Travel and tourism organisations still have the opportunity to join the competition, as late entries are currently being accepted for all regions. Interested parties can submit their nominations directly via the official website at worldtravelawards.com/enter.

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